PLSC Research Technician; Barley&Oat Breeding Quality Lab Job Saskatoon area,Saskatchewan Canada,Research/Development

Position: PLSC Research Technician (Barley&Oat Breeding Quality Lab)

PLSC Research Technician (Barley&Oat Breeding Quality Lab)

Primary

Purpose:

The Barley & Oat Breeding Program at the University of Saskatchewan (USASK), Crop Development Centre (CDC) is seeking a motivated and reliable research technician.

Nature of Work: The successful applicant will participate primarily in grain quality analysis of barley and oat samples in a lab setting (typically September – May) to provide data in a timely manner that supports the breeding program objectives. The candidate will also assist with activities related to the field breeding program including outdoor field data collection, harvest and greenhouse work (typically June – August).

All work will be conducted in a team environment in collaboration with other research technicians and under the supervision of senior technicians.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: Lab duties will involve repetitive work related to grinding grain samples, wet chemistry analyses and operation/maintenance of various equipment such as NIRS, Gallery Analyzer, ANKOM TDF Analyzer and Rapid Visco Analyzer. Field breeding program duties include data collection ( plant maturity and height), harvest and greenhouse work (crossing, watering, potting). Entry, organization and quality control of data required.

Qualifications

Education: A post-secondary diploma or undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, agriculture or a related discipline is required. Those with a would be overqualified for this position and will thus not be considered.

Experience:

A minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience in an analytical or research lab.

Experience in various lab activities like extractions, colorimetric/kit assays, operation and maintenance of equipment.

Experience handling large sets of data.

Experience working in field or greenhouse environments will be considered an asset.

A valid class 5 driver’s license will be considered an asset.

Skills:

Ability to identify and trouble shoot problems related to analytical methods, equipment operation or data entry.

Ability to multi-task, manage time efficiently and maintain accurate records.

Proficiency with lab equipment and related software is essential.

Work independently in a multi-disciplinary, group environment.

Perform physical work in an outdoor field or greenhouse environment.

Excellent oral and written communications skills in English.